Venezuela has revoked the operating rights of six foreign airlines, banning them from flying to and from the country. The National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) made this decision after the airlines suspended flights to Venezuela following advice from US authorities.
Last week, American officials warned airlines about “heightened military activity” in and around Venezuela as tensions between the US and Venezuela increased. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a NOTAM advising carriers to avoid Venezuelan airspace, citing “the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in and around Venezuela” and instructing airlines “to exercise caution when operating in the MaiquetÃa FIR.”
In response, INAC gave an ultimatum to foreign carriers that had stopped their flights. The agency required these airlines to resume operations or risk losing their rights to use Venezuelan airspace. With no change in airline behavior, INAC proceeded with revoking their operating rights, stating:
“For joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the US government, unilaterally suspending commercial air operations to and from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, based on a NOTAM issued by an Aeronautical Authority without competition in the Maiquetia FIR.”
According to Reuters, three major European airlines are affected: Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, and Turkish Airlines. These carriers operate flights to Simón BolÃvar International Airport (CCS) in Caracas. This airport is Venezuela’s largest and marks its 80th anniversary in 2025.
Current scheduling data from Cirium indicates that TAP Air Portugal uses Airbus A330-200 and A330-900 aircraft for these routes. Turkish Airlines operates Boeing 787s and sometimes 777s. Iberia also uses A330s for its Caracas service; some flights are run by third-party operators such as Wamos Air (A330s) and Privilege Style (A330s and 777s).
Other affected South American carriers include Avianca, GOL, and LATAM Colombia. According to BBC reports, additional airlines like Caribbean Airlines had already stopped serving Venezuela earlier this year.
The FAA’s NOTAM followed rising military tensions due to a recent US deployment near Venezuela’s coast. According to BBC coverage, this deployment includes about 15,000 personnel and the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier—the largest in the world—ostensibly aimed at combating drug trafficking. President Nicolás Maduro has described these actions as an attempt to remove him from power.
It remains uncertain whether any of the affected airlines will resume flights or if INAC will reinstate their operating rights.
